Release Issued by Sony:
Capture your World in High Definition
8th January 2007 - Research by Sony reveals that 75 per cent of people regret not having a camcorder to capture spontaneous, everyday life moments.* The launch of the new 2007 Sony Handycam range ensures that memories remain as fresh as the moment they happened. Whether for a child’s first birthday, wedding, a special family holiday or simply time spent with friends, Sony Handycam offers full range of camcorders to capture those precious moments forever.
The 2007 Handycam line-up offers a wide choice of High Definition camcorders in three different media - tape, disc, and Hard Disk Drive (HDD). Smaller and more affordable that ever, HD Handycam puts High Definition recording within reach of everyone to enjoy with their friends and family for years to come.
Furthermore, Sony has evolved its unique imaging technology with new colour mode and advanced still picture capability. View your memories on High Definition Handycam and you’re taken right back to the moment they were captured.
The latest Sony Handycam range also boasts a wealth of features for great shooting experiences both in High Definition and Standard Definition. From longer recording time, to an impressive 14 hours of battery stamina, to an incredible 40x Optical Zoom in a compact stylish body; special memories are easy to capture yet impossible to forget.
Sony Handycam: Key Technologies for 2007- New Colour Standard: x.v.Colour mode for all High Definition models
All 2007 High Definition (HD) Handycam feature groundbreaking new colour technology, x.v.Colour. This technology complies with xvYCC (eXtended Video YCC), the newly-ratified international standard that almost doubles the range of colours that can be accurately reproduced by video devices, covering almost 100 percent of natural colours. Closely matching the natural characteristics of the human eye, x.v.Colour reproduces more vivid, authentic reds, blues and greens beyond the limitations of the conventional sRGB colour space. x.v.Colour support also guarantees direct compatibility with latest televisions and other display devices that support the xvYCC standard.
- Advanced still image capability: 6.1 Megapixel still image recording with “Super SteadyShot” Optical Image Stabilisation
Handycam now doubles as a high-quality digital still camera. The advanced ClearVid CMOS Sensor found inside high-end models for each format allows recording of 6 Megapixel still images. There’s also an optical image stabilisation for crisper, clearer blur-free results when you’re zooming in or shooting in dim light in both movie and still images.
- Longer Recording Hour: New HDD range with 30GB/40GB/60GB capacity, and DVD+R DL compatibility for SD DVD Handycam.
The new HDD Handycam range offers outstanding capacity, with up to 41 hours continuous recording in an ultra-compact body. DVD+R DL (Dual Layer) technology is now available on DVD Handycam, providing up to 110 mins recording time on a single disc.
- Impressive STAMINA: More than 5 hours of STAMINA for all models
Longer shooting stamina has always been one of the most desirable features for any camcorder. Welcome news for anyone who’s experienced the frustration of a flat battery half way through a once-in-a-lifetime scene, Sony Handycam models now offer STAMINA batteries with a minimum 5 hours right up to a maximum 14 hours of continuous recording time with optional battery from a single charge.
- Powerful Zoom: Unprecedented 40x Optical Zoom with wider angle
Entry Standard Definition (SD) models now let you ‘shoot things you can’t see’ with an impressive 40x Optical Zoom. Moreover, new 40x models cover a wider field of view at their shortest focal length compared with current 20x models – a benefit that’s highly appreciated by experienced camcorder users. This enormous zoom range – from wider angle capabilities to powerful telephoto – opens up a whole new world of shooting possibilities with Handycam’s prestigious Carl Zeiss® optics.
- Improved low light capability
Thanks to a new Auto Slow Shutter mode, minimum illumination performance for the new range is improved greatly, supporting indoor or dim light shooting.
High Definition
New for 2007 is an exciting range of High Definition (HD) Handycam models, complimenting the current AVCHD HDD model HDR-SR1. They offer the ultimate camcorder experience in both AVCHD DVD and HDV formats with an expanded model range and groundbreaking technological advances. It’s now easier than ever to capture images like no other.
The new AVCHD DVD range puts you at the forefront of the High Definition revolution with a choice of affordable HD camcorders. Watching in High Definition delivers incredible clarity and detail. The options for enjoying your shots at home are rapidly expanding with a range of AVCHD-compatible Blu-ray players including new PLAYSTATION®3. Shots can also be viewed directly from the camcorder on an HD-ready television or display via its HDMI connecter.
The newly-extended HDV Handycam line-up transforms tape-based shooting and playback. The latest range packs a host of new features for better resolution, colour and superior performance. A wide choice of manual settings and editing solutions makes Sony HDV Handycam the perfect choice for enthusiasts.
Standard Definition
Sony has also expanded its Standard Definition (SD) non-linear range. A wider choice of HDD and DVD models deliver a simple, easy to use non-linear experience with all the benefits of random access recording – for near-instant access to the right shot without searching the entire tape.
Standard Definition HDD Handycam now offers a wider range of HDD capacities (30GB / 40GB / 60GB) - offering up to an incredible maximum 41 hours continuous recording time without the need to change media – the perfect answer if you’re travelling and don’t want to worry about changing discs or tapes as you shoot.
The new Standard Definition DVD range allows you to shoot directly onto 8cm DVD media at the touch of a button for quicker and simpler sharing, enjoyment and archiving of your precious memories. The new DVD range is now available with 5.1ch surround recording*** with a built-in microphone to capture high quality sound that compliments stunning video footage like a movie.
* Research conducted by Luth Research and commissioned by Sony Electronics
** Provided by Dr. Pointer, and measured by NPL, UK
*** Does not apply to the DVD106E
